I’ve used plenty of webcams, mostly for work meetings and catching up with family. They usually get the job done, but finding one that really stands out is rare. That’s when I got my hands on the EMEET SmartCam S800-or as they call it, a “SmartCam.”
I was given a unit to test, and while this is a review, rest assured it’s based on my honest experience. It’s a 4K webcam with some impressive AI features, and here’s what I thought after giving it a try.
What is the EMEET SmartCam S800?
Before getting into the specifics, it’s worth knowing a bit about the company behind this SmartCam. EMEET, based in Shenzhen, China, makes a variety of tech products like headphones, conference cameras, speakerphones, and webcams. The model I got to try is the S800, one of their newest SmartCams.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what this webcam brings to the table.
Quick Specs
Here are the tech specs of the EMEET SmartCam S800
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (2160p@30FPS) |
| Frame Rate | 1080p@60FPS |
| Image Sensor | 1/2″ Large Sony Sensor |
| Focus Type | AI Face Autofocus, PDAF+TOF |
| Field of View (FoV) | 40° to 73° (adjustable) |
| Digital Zoom | 4x |
| Microphones | Dual Omni-Directional, Noise-Cancelling |
| Audio Pickup Range | 10 ft (3 meters) |
| Connection | USB 3.0 |
| Compatibility | Windows 7/8/10/11, MacOS 10.10 or later |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 71.5mm x 52mm x 71mm |
| Weight | 180g ± 10g |
My First Take
Right off the bat, I was surprised by how compact the EMEET SmartCam S800 packaging was. It came in a tidy 11.5 x 13 x 7.5 cm box-small, but it packed all the essentials.
Inside, there wasn’t much fuss. The box contained exactly what you’d expect: the webcam, a USB type a to type c cable, and a user manual. Pretty minimal, but it had everything needed to get the camera up and running.
Here’s a closer look at the front of the EMEET SmartCam S800:
…and here’s the back view:
The whole device feels well-built, with a smart, compact design. It’s sturdy without being too heavy. The camera has a barrel shape, able to rotate about 45 degrees to the left, and right, and is mounted on a Z-shaped bracket, allowing it to sit easily on top of a monitor or laptop.
Alternatively, it can also be screwed into the bottom and mounted on a tripod.
The EMEETLINK App is Essential
To access all the advanced features of the camera, the EMEETLINK app needs to be installed. This software provides options to adjust brightness, contrast, exposure, and white balance using sliders.
Additional settings include anti-flicker controls (50 Hz/60 Hz) and customizable filters for different visual effects. The app is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
It Has Two Mics…
One of the nice surprises with the EMEET SmartCam S800 is the two built-in omni-directional microphones. They have a pickup range of up to 10 feet and do a great job at capturing clear, loud audio-especially with the noise reduction turned on.
.. And a Sony 1/2″ Sensor
One of the things that stands out about the EMEET SmartCam S800 is its Sony 1/2″ sensor. It’s a bit larger than what you’d find in most webcams, which means it can capture more light.
The video quality is noticeably better, especially in low-light or dimly lit rooms – no more grainy, washed-out images during evening calls. With an F/1.8 aperture and a 4.71mm focal length, the details in my video come out crisp and clear. It’s these small touches that improve the overall video experience.
HDR for Balanced Lighting
Another feature that’s been really useful is the HDR (High Dynamic Range) support. It helps balance out lighting, so whether I’m sitting in a bright room or in a darker corner, the camera adjusts to make sure my image is well-lit and not overexposed.
Having this balance helps a lot in maintaining consistent image quality, no matter the environment.
The Privacy Cover is Great
The EMEET SmartCam S800 has a built-in privacy cover on the top part of its barrel-shaped design. It’s a simple, rotatable cover that can be closed to block the lens when the camera isn’t in use. I kind of like this feature-it’s reassuring to know there’s an extra layer of protection if you’re concerned about privacy, especially with all the talk about hacking these days. It adds peace of mind.
USB 3.0 is a Must
When I first set up the EMEET SmartCam S800, I quickly realized it really works best with a USB 3.0 connection. The camera needs 700mA, which USB 3.0 handles perfectly with its 900mA output, unlike USB 2.0.
To avoid issues, I always plug it directly into a USB 3.0 port, or use a powered hub when needed.
What’s Great About the S800?
- Compact and looks great, with a sturdy hinge that holds firmly on the screen.
- The built-in mics pick up clear sound, especially with noise reduction.
- The 4K image quality is sharp, with low noise compared to other webcams.
- Simple customization for brightness and contrast using the app.
- Sits securely on top of the monitor or can easily be mounted on a tripod.
- The app adds some handy features for adjusting the camera.
- Privacy is a breeze with the built-in cover that gives peace of mind.
Room for Improvement
- An on/off button would be more convenient than unplugging the USB.
- A small LED indicator to show when the camera is active would be useful.
- A mute button on the device would be a nice touch.
- It’s already compact, but a smaller size would make it even better.
Pricing Breakdown
The EMEET SmartCam S800 is priced around $150 on Amazon. They are also offering several different bundle options as well.